Two of the signatures of musicians that were on the original recording of “Borrowed Time” appear here on sheet music of one of the final songs that John Lennon would ever write. The song would appear posthumously on the LP Milk and Honey. The photo below is the sheet music with the sad revelation that we all indeed are “Living on Borrowed Time.” The printed signature of Double Fantasy and Milk and Honey drummer, Andy Newmark, appears on the sheet music, and one of the lead guitarists that was on the original track, Earl Slick, also signed the piece.
The poignant aspects of this song are revealed by Double Fantasy producer, Jack Douglas, who in several interviews after John’s death stated that John believed he would pass away at a young age. There are also stories that Jack deleted a specific studio tape that upset him so much that he felt compelled to erase it because of what John states on the tape. (Only Jack knows what was said on that erased tape).
The other lead guitarist on “Borrowed Time” was Hugh McCracken who is now deceased. Earl Slick was also to play on the recording of David Bowie’s song “Fame” in 1975, where John Lennon was given a songwriting credit for Bowie’s first 45 to reach #1.
The signed sheet music was obtained by me on eBay.
The provenance of the authenticity of the signatures is provided here being signed by Andy Newmark – photo provided by the seller:
Sheet music of Earl Slick signing the sheet music provided by the seller:
Buzz
John Lennon Books at The Beatles Bookstore
John Lennon
Books about John Lennon
